5 shopping spots to stop by when you visit Kyoto

Kyoto is a very popular tourist spot not only among foreigners but also among Japanese. Do you think that Kyoto has only tourist attractions?
In fact, because Kyoto has many tourist attractions, it also has many shopping spots.

Therefore, in this article, we will introduce some of the best shopping spots in Kyoto.

Nishiki Market

Source: https://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/en/

Nishiki Market is said to have a 400-year history.

A visit to this shopping street offers a slightly different atmosphere from the rest of the town, with more than 100 stores lining the street, where visitors can enjoy dining and selecting souvenirs.

It is also very accessible, taking the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station, which is only about 10 minutes away. The shopping street has a roof, so shopping is possible even on rainy days.

Kiyomizu-zaka

Kiyomizu-zaka is a slope on the way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a famous tourist attraction.

To get to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, you will have to climb a slightly steep slope. However, on either side of this slope, you can enjoy the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, lined with stores that give you a sense of the Japanese townscape.

In addition to Kiyomizu-zaka, there are many small streets lined with traditional buildings in this area, such as Sanneizaka and Yasaka-dori. Here you can buy souvenirs or relax in a “Japanese” style café and enjoy shopping and sightseeing at the same time.

It might be a good idea to drop by when you go to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

JR Kyoto Isetan

Source: https://www.mistore.jp/store/kyoto/foreign_customer.html

So far we have introduced shopping spots in the historic city of Kyoto.
The places we are about to introduce may come as a surprise to first-time visitors to Kyoto Station.

JR Kyoto Isetan is a shopping mall directly connected to Kyoto Station.

Kyoto Station has a plaza and an observation deck, and Kyoto Tower can be seen beautifully from the station. In addition, Kyoto Station has the famous Grand Staircase, which offers more than just shopping.

Kyoto Porta

Source: https://www.porta.co.jp.e.sd.hp.transer.com

Kyoto Porta is another shopping mall directly connected to Kyoto Station.

This shopping mall has over 200 stores, so you are sure to find what you like and what you are looking for.

Particularly recommended is the Souvenir Road.
There, you can find Kyoto sweets, local sake, and Kyoto souvenirs.

It is one of the largest souvenir shops in Kyoto Station, so be sure to stop by.

Hanamikoji

Source: https://www.gion.or.jp/around/花見小路

Hanamikoji is home to many long-established stores, where visitors can enjoy shopping while feeling the old streets of Kyoto.

One store in particular that we recommend is Eirakuya, a store specializing in tenugui hand towels.
The abundantly designed tenugui hand towels are both well-designed and practical, and are recommended as souvenirs.

Source: “Eirakuya,” a store specializing in tenugui hand towels and furoshiki wrapping cloths

On the other hand, there are also many long-established Japanese confectionery stores.
In particular, there are many Japanese confectioneries that use Kyoto’s matcha green tea, making for a shopping experience unique to Kyoto.

In Hanamikoji, there is also a spot where you can meet maiko (apprentice geisha), and there are many things you can only experience here, so it is highly recommended!

Conclusion

In this article, we have introduced some of the best shopping spots in Kyoto.
Kyoto is an area that has preserved the good old Japanese culture, and Kiyomizu-zaka and Hanamikoji still allow visitors to experience the streets of old Japan.

We invite you to walk around Kyoto and enjoy the Japanese culture and atmosphere using all your senses!
I am sure you will create wonderful memories.